Tropica l Topics SEPTEMBER 2012
From the Presiden t I cannot begin to tell you how excited, honored, and humbled I am to serve as your JLGC President for the 2012-2013 League year!
As I looked around at “Back to the League”, I was reminded that we are a talented, amazing group of women! Our members are more involved now than ever before… families, careers (both in and out of the home), PTA, committees, and civic groups, just to name a few. So I had to ask myself, “What brings these fabulous ladies to the League when our plates are so full?” Each one of us has our own reason for joining. It may be because we share a strong belief in the mission, or your mother or grandmother was in the League, or for personal and/or professional growth, or because a friend asked you to join, or you may have even joined because you wanted to meet people and make new friends. Regardless of why you joined, every one of us is “making a difference” in Galveston County through our League service. In May, I brought my three-year-old daughter, Madison, to the TA Building to band and box shoes for our Soles for Souls project. Madison, being the girlie girl that she is, was immediately drawn to a brand new pair of hot pink flip flops. After explaining to her that they were going to a child whose Mommy and Daddy couldn’t buy shoes for them and how Amanda Gaido their little feet must hurt from walking on the dirt and rocks barefoot, she sadly slid 2012-2013 President them off her feet and placed them in the shipping box. About an hour or so later, she looked at me and said, “It’s ok Mommy, those are for another little girl; I don’t want her feet to hurt, and we can buy more at the store”. My face lit up with pride; and, at that moment, it was all worth it. I realized then why I am in the Junior League… to be a role model for my three daughters, while positively impacting the lives of others. You are all fabulous women, and we should be proud to be members of JLGC! We should be proud because our organization has a rich, 87 year legacy that allows us to not only give back to our community, but also improve us as women! This upcoming year, I challenge you to improve YOU! The League provides you with a supportive environment and amazing opportunities for growth. Think about what you want to do and what you want to get out of your experience. I look forward to serving YOU! Amanda Gaido 2012-2013 President - Junior League of Galveston County, Inc. MISSION STATEMENT The Junior League of Galveston County, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively education and charitable. JUNIOR LEAGUE OF GALVESTON COUNTY BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012-2013 President - Amanda Gaido President Elect - Jocelyn Sullivan Secretary - Elizabeth McCarty Communications Vice President - Sarah Sullivan Community Vice President - Jennifer Caffey
Finance Vice President - Amy Lilly Fundraising Vice President - Holly Pelletier Membership Vice President - Kristen Lepo Past President - Yvette Schulz Sustainer President- Marjorie Kusnerik
Kitchen
ConfiFIdential Cookbook Wholesale Accounts Sales Contest The Cookbook Committee is very excited about the coming year, and wants to continue to grow our wholesale account business. In order to do so, we would like to request your help in our efforts to open new accounts. We are launching a Cookbook Wholesale Account Sales Contest: For every new wholesale account in Galveston County that a member opens, she will earn one entry for the grand prize drawing. For every new wholesale account outside of Galveston County that a member opens, she will earn two entries for the grand prize drawing. We will draw the winning name at the March General Meeting. The winner will be awarded our Girls Night Out package for the Kitchen Tour 2013. The package includes 6 Kitchen Tour tickets and a Limo with Driver for the Kitchen Tour complete with champagne and swag bags! There is a list of current accounts on the JLGC website, along with the Wholesale Order Form. So, start thinking of potential new accounts, and contact Melissa Slimp at melissapayne96@gmail.com if you have any questions about how to set up a new wholesale account.
Beachside to Boa rdwa lk on Facebook Did you know that Beachside to Boardwalk has a Facebook page? Please “like� our page facebook.com/BeachsidetoBoardwalk and follow us for postings of all things foodie!
CALLING ALL ISLAND GIRLS
We are looking for you! We need all island girls between 5th and 9th grade to spend the year learning volunteer skills and then putting them to practice monthly. Junior Junior League will be hosting their first ISLAND GIRLS informational meeting September 24th at the TA Building, from 6:00-7:00 pm. If you are interested or know someone that might be, please attend our first informational meeting. It would help the committee greatly if you send contact information of any interested girls to Trisha Leimer at juniorleaguegalveston@gmail.com. We are looking forward to an exciting year of volunteering and can’t wait to get started. Some events we have planned are Blue Santa, Special People’s Ball, Relay for Life and many more. Come check us out!
Pro visiona l Cla ss 2012-2013
The Membership Development team is proud to welcome the largest Provisional Class in recent history of the Junior League of Galveston County! With absolutely no advertising, we attracted more than 100 women who were interested in learning more about the League. Most of those women are family, friends, or colleagues of Active or Sustaining Members. Some are just familiar with our outstanding work in the community. Fifty-nine women decided to join the League this year! Please join me in welcoming the following members of the 2012-2013 Provisional Class:
Alanna Soto Alita Lee Allison Loehmann Amanda Benson Amanda Hall Anna Hyatt Ashley Patten Brenda Hernandez Brenda Wilson Brittany Taute Callie Odom Candace Kessel Candice Osborne Carley Rowland Christina van Lier Corey Beth LaBuff Courtney Carnes Debbie Santos Emily Blomberg
Emily Dillard Ericka Hailey Erin Kay Erin Kinney Ginny Byrd Glenda Woodworth Ida Krause Jaclyn Robb Jennifer Haglund Jessica Scheider Jordan Lopez Karon Wynne Katy Dreiss Keleigh Hughes Kristen Onsgard Kyla Rennick Lacey Arms Laurel Meyer Laura Hughes McDermott
Lindsey Serrette Martha White Melanie Davenport Melissa Grennan Melissa Martin Nancy Hernandez Natalie Clarke Nicole Cleboski Nikky Walliser Paige Hardcastle Rachel Shuman Robin Baker Sarah Mouch Shannon Caldwell Shelby Rogers Taylor Williams Tracey E. Garza Wendy Detenbeck Whitney Meyer Zurisaday Briz-Robbins
Being a Difference Maker in
Girls on the Run
This past spring was my first time experiencing Girls on the Run. Until that point, I had no idea what kind of impact this program was making on our community. Here I am, thinking, “sure, I can run with little girls”, before I realized this program is so much more than running. We build self-esteem and confidence. We discuss making healthy choices for our mind and bodies. We exude happiness! We had two host sites last year, one on the Mainland and the other on the Island, with over 30 girls participating. This was only in one semester! We have gone from 12 girls to over 30. And this year, we will be reaching out to so many more! Our goal is to establish 4 sites, two on the island and two on the mainland. So doing the math: if we meet with 15 girls at 4 different sites, that’s 60 girls, and with a fall and spring session, this adds up to 120 girls we can reach out to and possibly make a difference in their life! This is where we need your help! We need happy, confident women willing to share these traits with the girls. You do NOT have to be a runner to coach (trust me). If you cannot commit to twice a week, then consider one night a week. We want this program to grow, but we cannot do it without your support. Also, if you have a daughter in 3rd – 5th grade, please consider this 10week program. I promise, you won’t regret it. Please contact me at jones.terrylynn@gmail.com or Laura Flowers at laura.flowers@girlsontherun.org with any questions or to request for more info! It’s going to be a great year! What will you do to make a difference? Terry Lynn Jones Co-chair of Girls on the Run
Kids in the Kitchen:
Kids In The Kitchen will have their first committee meeting at the Galveston Rosenberg Library on September 8th. We will be brainstorming ideas for the up-coming 20122013 League year and ways we can full-fill our Kashi Grant. If you have any ideas please e-mail Sheyanne at shchan@utmb.edu. More information about volunteer opportunities to come at a later date. Information will also be provided in the Wednesday Weekly Notes.
Fun d Developm en t Ladies, we have a wonderful opportunity to earn money for JLGC doing one of our favorite things: SHOPPING! Get ready to look your best for “Escape to Casablanca� and purchase sportswear at Fit Tri Run, located at 518 23rd Street, Galveston. On Saturday, September 22 mention JLGC or Junior League and Fit Tri Run will donate 10% of that sale to JLGC. If you have any suggestions regarding developing funds, please contact me Janet Hoffman at 409-621-6332 or email me at jhoffman@ibisengineers.com. Thanks again for your support!
JLGC Ca len da r of Even ts SEPTEMBER 10th - GENERAL MEETING - 6 PM Social; 6:30 PM Meeting Location: Advantage BMW of Clear Lake 400 Gulf Fwy South, League City, Texas 77573 17th - Provisional Meeting - TA Building 20th - Tropical Topics Due 24th - Board Report Due OCTOBER 8th - GENERAL MEETING Location: Elks Lodge - Galveston 10th - Holiday Ball Invitation Workshop - 6:30-8:30 PM - TA Building 12th - Leadership Application Due 15th - Provisional Meeting - Spring Creek BBQ 20th - Tropical Topics Due 25th - 26th - Leadership Interviews 29th - Board Report Due NOVEMBER 12th - GENERAL MEETING - Location: TBA 15th - SPONSOR PARTY - Location: Moody Gardens - Galveston 20th - Tropical Topics Due 26th - Board Report Due BOARD MEETING DATES 26th - Provisional Meeting - TA Building September 4: Mainland DECEMBER 1st - 2nd - Dickens on the Strand 3rd - GENERAL MEETING - Location: Ashton Villa - Galveston 7th - Holiday Ball Workshop - 6:30-8:30 PM - TA Building 8th - Holiday Ball - 7 - 11 pm - Tremont House 17th - Provisional Meeting - La Brisa Restaurant 20th - Tropical Topics Due
October 2: Island November 6: Mainland November 27: Island DECEMBER 3: GM January 8: Mainland February 5: Island March 6: Mainland April 2: Island May 7: Island
2012-2013 PROVISIONAL CALENDAR Meeting Attendance: • Attend at least 6 of the 8 General Membership meetings • Attend at least 6 of the 8 Provisional meetings • Attend at least 1 of the 6 Get to Know You events • Attend at least 3 of the 6 fundraising workshops • Attend Annual Dinner General Membership meetings are typically held the second Monday of every month between September and April. Provisional meetings are usually held the third Monday of each month. For both, the social begins at 6:00 PM and the meeting starts at 6:30 PM. Please note that several meeting dates are adjusted due to holidays. Attendance is optional at all events listed in blue. Attendance is mandatory at one of the six Get to Know You events listed in red. Attendance is mandatory at three of the six of the workshops listed in green. September 10 General Meeting TBA September 10 Get to Know You Restaurant/Bar Near General Meeting September 17 Provisional Meeting Trueheart-Adriance Building, Galveston September 17 Get To Know You Float, Galveston Island, After Prov Mtg September 21, 6:00 Get To Know You Chelsea Wine Bar, Clear Lake October 8 General Meeting Elk’s Lodge, Galveston Island October 8 Get To Know You Beach Hut, Galveston, After General Mtg October 10, 6:30 – 8:30 Holiday Ball Invitations Workshop TA Building October 15 Provisional Meeting Spring Creek BBQ, League City October 19, 6:00 Provisional Social Paint This/Pour That, League City (This event will cost $35/person for the cost of canvas and paint supplies. BYOB and food to share!) November 3, 10:30 AM Gritty Goddess 5K Moody Gardens, Galveston Island (This is a non-competitive 5K obstacle course through mud, sand, water, and foam for women only! Registration costs $70, which will get you a Gritty Goddess custom designed shirt, the great gritty course, Temptation Island, and the “Sisterhood of the Soil” Soiree with food, drink and live music. Anyone who is interested should register ASAP under the team name “Not Your Mama’s Junior League.”) November 12 General Meeting TBA November 15, 7:00-9:00 Holiday Ball Sponsor Party Moody Gardens, Galveston Island November 26 Provisional Meeting Trueheart-Adriance Building, Galveston (delayed due to Thanksgiving holiday) Nov 30 - December 2 Dickens on the Strand Trueheart-Adriance Building December 3 General Meeting Ashton Villa, Galveston Island (moved up due to Holiday Ball prep) December 7, 6:30 – 8:30 Décor Workshop TBA December 8 Holiday Ball Tremont House Hotel, Galveston December 14, 6:00 Provisional Social Bacchus Wine Bar, League City December 17 Provisional Meeting La Brisa Restaurant, League City January 10, 6:30 – 8:30 Thank You Letters/Wrap Up Spring Creek BBQ, League City January 14 General Meeting TBA January 19, 6:00 Provisional Social Game Night, Trueheart-Adriance Bldg January 28 Provisional Meeting Trueheart-Adriance Building, Galveston (delayed due to Martin Luther King Day) February 11 General Meeting Elk’s Lodge, Galveston Island February 16, 1:00 Provisional Social Tour of Haak Winery, Santa Fe February 25 Provisional Meeting Panera Bread, League City (delayed due to President’s Day) March 18 General Meeting TBA (delayed due to Spring Break) March 22 Spring Market Preview Party San Luis Resort, Galveston Island March 23 Spring Market Setup San Luis Resort, Galveston Island March 23 Sunrise Soiree San Luis Resort, Galveston Island March 25 Provisional Meeting and Social The Spot, Galveston Island (delayed due to Spring Break) Mid-March Placement Interviews Scheduled with your advisor April 8 General Meeting Elk’s Lodge, Galveston Island April 13, 6:00 Provisional Social AMF Star Lanes Bowling, Texas City April 15 Provisional Meeting Trueheart-Adriance Building, Galveston May 13 Annual Dinner TBA May 18, 6:00 End of year Provisional Party Garden House, Galveston Island
It is going to be a fabulous year of Fundraising! Please fill out your commitment card at the next General Meeting. We have sponsorship levels for everyone. Can’t wait to be whisked away to an exclusive Moroccan Sponsor Party before your “Escape to Casablanca”? Consider the “Fall Sponsor” or “Fall into an Oasis” level. Craving an Evening at the Oasis or want to start your day full of shopping at the Sunrise Soiree? Maybe the “Paris in Spring” would be the perfect fit for you! Do you want to do it all? Enjoy a year of unbelievable JLGC fundraisers? Sign up for the Moroccan Adventure or Cafe American levels. Fundraising has opportunities for everyone...business or personal. Please email Liz Henson at Lizajean67@aol.com with any ideas for new sponsors. She would love to get a Sponsorship Packet to them. If you have a connection or idea for Silent or Live Auction please contact Bernadette Barbee at bbarbee@greerherz.com or Ashley Group at argroup@utmb.edu